Kitsuki Yuushahime
Dragon Clan
This person sometimes posts things that are tl;dr
Courtier Magistrate Ambassador Daimyo
Posts: 1,140
|
Post by Kitsuki Yuushahime on Mar 22, 2011 13:17:14 GMT -5
Rinko just nodded at the new information concerning Kenpachi. If accurate, and she longer mistrusted Hirotomo, then it would be useful. She'd enjoyed her time with him so far, even if he seemed to always have something else to say. She wasn't much for poetry or being subtle, a detail that had not pleased her sensei much. Her skill at identifying evidence and with the sword had helped her work around these deficiencies though.
However, she was surprised though when Hirotomo revealed the truth about himself. Rinko blinked a couple of times, letting Hirotomo continue before she adjusted her hat to cover for being caught off guard. Perhaps even Yuushahime hadn't known. She was about to thank him for the information when he started to say something else, looking unusually determined about getting it off his chest. Unfortunately the sound of a group of samurai they were passing distracted the young man.
Rinko had spotted them earlier and had noted they were behaving unusually, especially for what appeared at a distance to be Lion samurai. They were too disorganised. Of course, this wasn't her area to patrol and she had no jurisdiction here so she was content with leaving them alone as long as they stuck to themselves. Hirotomo's actions changed that.
Rinko spotted and read the kanji on the items and understanding flashed in her mind before the Toku confirmed what she already suspected. The likelihood of bumping into the culprits was insanely slim. They would have to make inquiries first and that needed some calm. They also had no authority here. Of course, there were some ways around this although it displeased Rinko to have to think of one. It wouldn't be dishonourable but it wouldn't be entirely openly honest either. First though she had to stop the young man before he created a scene without adequate certainty.
She called out hastily after the Toku "wait!" with as much authority as she could muster, hastily riding next to him before speaking to him in a lighter voice. "They may have acquired these from someone else. We must be sure first". Her two servants stayed well back, looking apprehensive.
For their part, the four men had spotted the Toku, noting his mon and then his facial expression. Two of them looked uneasy but the other two seemed quite excited and began to walk over to intercept Hirotomo and Rinko. Rinko also noticed that another Lion samurai sat some distance away, perched on a largish rock, watching the commotion with a nonchalant expression.
Rinko decided to take the reins in the situation. Expressing dominance helped express authority and confidence. She would have to go with her plan. Though she wasn't personally affiliated with the Emerald Magistrates she knew that they were now involved in the investigation so she could refer to them and imply she had more authority than she did. She went back to using her lower voice as she addressed the men.
"Halt where you are. I am Kitsuki Rinko. There is an ongoing investigation into... criminal actions committed in the lands of the Toku. The Emerald Magistrate Office has become involved in this severe and important matter. We have idenfitied that you are in fact in possession of items that were taken from those concerned". She gestured to the various belongings the men had been showing off and almost fighting over. She made no mention of the murders or the exact nature of the criminal matter. If the men mentioned deaths or anything similar then that would be akin to a confession. Let's see what they say, she thought.
"This is a grave matter. Say who you are and explain yourselves..." she stated slow and calmly, before adding in an insult to heat them up and hopefully make them more vulnerable to the saying the truth in a moment of anger "why are you squabbling over illegally obtained items like children?". She rode her horse a step forward to be infront of Hirotomo as she dismounted, putting a hand over her katana to show she was serious. Now that she was closer, she also noted some inconsistencies in their appearance. Unusual Lion mons... wait, were they even Lion?
|
|
Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
|
Post by Toku Hirotomo on Mar 22, 2011 20:39:23 GMT -5
Hirotomo had started to walk quickly with one hand on his blade, but Katsuki Rinko's voice stopped him. She reminded him of his father in a brief flash and he suppressed a smile. It was foolish to think that these damn ronin had fled, and that Toku Kenpachi's son had just happened upon them.
One of the men walked up, a haughty hand on his katana hilt. He smelled as though he hadn't bathed in weeks and his mon while similar to a Lion was in fact a Tiger. "Boss said someone'd come, a Monkey and a Dragon." He gave a lewed look to Rinko. "Why don't you leave the boy and come with us a bit girl?"
"You have commited a crime in my lands," Hirotomo said, shaking with fury. "Now you dishonor a woman worthy of the highest praise?"
"Got a soft spot for the Dragon girl do you boy?" the Ronin sneered. "Even if I did kill anyone. How you going to prove it? You're not the law here. I don't think one dragon and a boy are going to be missed." He turned back to the other three. "Save the girl boys, do what you want to her after the boy's dead."
|
|
Kitsuki Yuushahime
Dragon Clan
This person sometimes posts things that are tl;dr
Courtier Magistrate Ambassador Daimyo
Posts: 1,140
|
Post by Kitsuki Yuushahime on Mar 23, 2011 15:40:29 GMT -5
Closer, as the haughty man approach, Rinko's eyes could make out the tiger mon. It was likely purposefully designed to look similar to Lion mons from a distance, with only the feline's roaring face in detail. They had purposefully chosen kimono in Lion colours too. These weren't crimes - ronin could have whatever colour clothes they liked and their own Mon. However, it was suspect. As was the man's attitude. She merely frowned in annoyance, tightening her lips and running her hand lower down to the Katana's grip as he spoke.
Hirotomo spoke up instead, his anger readily apparant. His words and the reply of the man were surprising for Rinko. The man was obviously stupid and misunderstanding both his place and what Hirotomo was so angry about. She replied simply as he issued his command, barely above a whisper "you have proven it for me". The louder noise came from her right hand unsheathing her katana and her left drawing her wakizashi smoothly. This would be no honourable duel. They would die like dogs. Perhaps she would further humiliate one and render him prone for questioning.
A heartbeat after her weapons filled her hands, her eyes deadly serious, she closed the distance between herself and the first man with the vulgar tongue. This also neatly put her infront of the Toku. The ronin had time enough to draw his weapon and ready himself. However, a strong right sweeping cut with the momentum of her movement straight at his torso with her katana was enough to tie his weapon up with defence for the second she needed to step into his guard range. Rinko's left hand continued her right momentum as she brought down the wakizashi blade across her foe's jaw as she spun, her sandals raising some dust from the ground by the rapid movement. She felt the blade meet temporary resistance before joining her in the 360 degree twist.
She now faced the other three as the first man, his jaw and tongue removed from his face, collapsed to the ground in his death throes - emitting a horrible noise as he clawed at what was his face. His blood sprayed messily over the bottom of her kimono and she revelled in it. He had not expected her to be as strong and skilled as she had. A mistake many men had made against her. Assuming a low stance she bellowed out "Come! Face me! My swords have been deprived of blood for too long - I will have a piece of each of you!". She finished, spitting on their dead leader's missing jaw with unnerving accuracy. She hoped her small forefinger movement on her left hand caught Hirotomo's eye as she tried to gesture for him to stand back
|
|
Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
|
Post by Toku Hirotomo on Mar 23, 2011 17:33:37 GMT -5
The three ronin jumped to action, two holding thier blades at the ready and began to circle Rinko. The third grabbed a spear and threw at Hirotomo, barely missing him.
Hirotomo drew his wakizashi, and leaped twords the man who threw the spear. Though he was young, Hirotomo's training with the Crane was apparent. The ronin reached for his blade, and Hirotomo used the back of his sword to break his right hand.
While Hirotomo fought his ronin, the two other ronin attacked Rinko, trying to stay out of her range. They were unsure and not willing to risk contempt like thier associate was.
Hirotomo's ronin had drawn his katana with his left hand. Hirotomo wished for his armor as the ronin's blade sunk into his skin. He was a decendent of Toku, however, he would not fall here. He used a trick a Crab once told him about, he slid forward along the blade, allowing himself to be cut along the length of his arm. The pain did not distract him. He used the momentum of his drive to place his blade's point into the neck of the ronin.
As the ronin began to thrash, Hirotomo pulled the blade out, it got stuck somewhere near the middle and Hirotomo had to kick the ronin off. He looked back at Rinko.
|
|
Kitsuki Yuushahime
Dragon Clan
This person sometimes posts things that are tl;dr
Courtier Magistrate Ambassador Daimyo
Posts: 1,140
|
Post by Kitsuki Yuushahime on Mar 23, 2011 18:17:44 GMT -5
Rinko allowed the two to circle her until they were on either side. This was usually an excellent tactic if both knew when to attack and defend. Rinko sensed they weren't exactly the most skilled at teamwork, especially after their earlier actions. Their leader's noise was finally starting to cease and Rinko placed herself next to him. She noted with dissatisfaction as Hirotomo was attacked and then engaged but she couldn't look yet. As the two drew closer, trying to test her range, Rinko hooked her foot until their comrade and kicked it forwards while turning and leaping at the man behind her. The front ronin had seen the action - expecting the kick now, plus the body wouldn't go far enough to hit him but it would prevent him charging her for a moment. That would allow her to engage.
Her strong leap brought her within mutual striking range. He made a full two handed sweep at her, which she deflected just with her wakizashi. She felt a pang of pain in her left wrist from the force of the blow and the added gravity of the descent. In truth she had only just battered the katana aside. Her own clipped the man on his waist but it was only a small wound; not deep. The man behind her cursed as he advanced. She landed and rolled, swinging herself around as fast as she could. His steel met hers above her for a split second before she angled her katana so his slide past to the right of her. She slashed out with her wakizashi as she rose, digging it into his right ankle.
She sidestepped on her left foot, pivoting clockwise on it to bring her right side backwards. She just made it as the other ronin's katana swept past. Retreating back a step she dodged another blow. Her own counter attack with her katana met thin air as he showed some skill, evading and launching another attack. The other man was bending down to staunch the blood loss from his leg and gritting his teeth while Hime was forced on the defensive. She could dodge his attacks or parry them with one weapon but he in turn evaded her attacks. She flashed a glance towards where the other sound of combat had briefly come from and caught Hirotomo's eye as he glanced over to her. She was deeply glad he had survived but angered by his wound. It would reflect poorly on herself.
"I said stay back!" she shouted at Hirotomo, hopping back to distance herself from her opponent as she refocussed on him. He ran towards her and continued his attack as she expected. She threw her wakizashi at his feet, blade first. She wasn't too surprised when he avoided the attack but he slightly lost his footing as he tried not to stumble with the wakizashi sticking out of the ground. That was enough to blunt his attack and Rinko shoulder barged him back to let herself inside his guard. She felt a mild but familiar pain on her right shoulder from his katana connecting, though thankfully for her it had not reached the apex of its swing and had been slown by his awkward stepping. She stabbed into the man's groin as she collided with him, twisting the blade out of him as the two tumbled together.
|
|
Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
|
Post by Toku Hirotomo on Mar 23, 2011 18:34:40 GMT -5
The ronin let out a scream of pain then raised a tanto in his hand to stike at Rinko, a blade came from Hirotomo's direction and sliced of the hand at the wrist. Hirotomo ran to Rinko and laughed. "I can't belive that worked." he said with a grin. The final ronin was on his knees, moaning in pain from the wounds inflicted. Picking up his wakazashi, Hirotomo looked at the ronin as he began to rise. "Stop." he said forcefully. The ronin sat down.
|
|
Kitsuki Yuushahime
Dragon Clan
This person sometimes posts things that are tl;dr
Courtier Magistrate Ambassador Daimyo
Posts: 1,140
|
Post by Kitsuki Yuushahime on Mar 23, 2011 18:49:22 GMT -5
Rinko stood up, a little startled at the hand which landed beside her. The ronin had drawn the tanto very quickly, even with her sword halfway through his waist and likely in much pain from what was certainly going to be a fatal wound. She may have been able to wrestle it off him but now she wouldn't know. She nodded her thanks to Hirotomo, distancing herself from the dying man who was left to mew pathetically as his blood drained. She noted her dark green kimono was a shade darker thanks to their blood and her own wound. She could feel it tingling. She allowed Hirotomo to control the situation as she snatched up her wakizashi, finishing off the dying men before also reclaiming her katana.
She eyed the other man from a distance. It wasn't clear if he was with them or alone. He maintained an excellent poker face. Rinko flicked the blood of her blades and sheathed them. They would need to be cleaned later. Hirotomo was her priority for now. She moved closer to the young man, taking out some medical supplies and cloth from inside her kimono. Some of the cloth was soaked a little in her own blood and she picked out enough that was clean. She could already tell her wound would close by itself if she didn't overdo it. Hirotomo must have felt a sting when Rinko began to dab some of the cloth, covered in something, on his wound as she tried to access its severity. It didn't look too bad, though it would leave a light scar if not treated by magic soon. "Tell him to put aside his weapon at least" She asked, her back slightly to the surviving ronin. She wanted to scold him for his light hearted attitude but held kept herself in check. He had done well
|
|
Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
|
Post by Toku Hirotomo on Mar 23, 2011 19:04:21 GMT -5
"Throw your weapons on the ground." Hirotomo said as Rinko bandaged his arm. Whatever was on the cloth stinged a great deal, but Hirotomo bore it. "Thank you." he said blushing. "I'm very glad I've fallen in..." a light cough interupted him. Hirotomo growled under his breath to look at the Lion. A real Lion by his mon.
"I am Toku Hirotomo." Hirotomo said with a trace of irritation. "It seems that you are not with these ronin. May I ask your name?"
"Akodo Jin." the Lion said bowing politely. "Thank you for killing these men. My own Lord forbade it. I can wait while you finish." He said drifting his eyes to Rinko.
"It does not seem the time, Akodo-san." Hirotomo said ruefully.
"Best to do so quickly." the Lion said looking around. "The Little Teacher said 'Fortune Favors the Mortal Man'. I have no intention of leaving or of resisting, I'm afraid that I cannont let my honor be tested anymore. I have news for Toku Kenpachi. Please, Toku-kun, continue" Akodo Jin then walked over to the water, out of earshot.
Hirotomo looked at the Lion, then back to Rinko. What the hell. May as well try. "Before we were interupted, I was trying to say I...have feelings for you, Kitsuki Rinko."
The Lion became very interested in the trees for some reason.
|
|
Kitsuki Yuushahime
Dragon Clan
This person sometimes posts things that are tl;dr
Courtier Magistrate Ambassador Daimyo
Posts: 1,140
|
Post by Kitsuki Yuushahime on Mar 23, 2011 19:33:45 GMT -5
(ooc: God help you she is thick with this kind of thing)
What was he saying? She only half listened. Fallen into what? Into place? Rinko finished her ministrations as Hirotomo talked to the lone Lion man who identified himself as an Akodo. He was being instructed to watch these men or work with them in some way she assumed, at least from what he said. She made a mental note to question him more later. She also notes that the wounded ronin has discarded his weapon and is trying to bandage his own wound. She best help him next she thinks. Her servants can manage her wound last.
Inspecting the bandaging one more time and listening to the odd exchange, Rinko observes that the salve is already numbing the area and reducing the fiery nature of the wound. The tight bandage would make sure the wound closes and stays that way. "Do not move it too vigorously" she ordered in a firm but light voice, as Jin begins to move away. It seemed he knew even more, even knowing Kenpachi. She wasn't concerned that he would run though or he would have done so already. Furthermore, Hirotomo and herself had horses so he couldn't get far.
She started to sort through her supplies and turned to the ronin, about to go over to make sure he could be questioned later, when Hirotomo continues. She had meant to thank him and congratulate him on handling the situation bravely but she stands there a little lost. Feelings? Perhaps he meant admiration? Surely not anything else. The thought of him meaning something else caused an unfamiliar sensation across her face. She gave Hirotomo a long glance, unsure of what to say.
A heavy silence loomed for what must have felt like some time before Rinko interjected "Hirotomo-kun I do not understand. I mean, I am covered in blood and nearly twenty. I am humbled that you. You... eto..." she paused momentarily. "A-admire me? However..." She paused again, stopping to swipe her hair out of her eyes with her left hand as she lost her rhythm. She could feel the sensation growing. It was kind of hot. It was different to the heat left by the adrenaline draining from her system
|
|
Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
|
Post by Toku Hirotomo on Mar 23, 2011 19:45:15 GMT -5
Hirotomo pushed the feeling of laughter into his stomach. By the Kami, this was a great warrior and one of the best magistrates in the Dragon, how could she not understand?
"Not just admire, Rinko-san." Hirotomo ventured calling her by a more familar name, perhaps this would help her understand. "I have fallen in love with you. I have never met anyone like you, you are the most beautiful woman I've ever met."
True she was almost 20, that alone ment she probably chased off many suitors before. She also cared very little for traditional beauty, bathing only when prompted by her servants. Hirotomo saw her passsion though. He saw her with blades in hand, calling the ronin to fight her. She seemed at peace then. She was truly a warrior. She was unusaul, but those very traits are the traits he most cared for, and most wanted to see again.
|
|
Kitsuki Yuushahime
Dragon Clan
This person sometimes posts things that are tl;dr
Courtier Magistrate Ambassador Daimyo
Posts: 1,140
|
Post by Kitsuki Yuushahime on Mar 23, 2011 20:05:18 GMT -5
Her voice caught in her throat and she was lost. She'd forgotten about the wounded ronin, who was starting to be embarassed himself. Her two servants had approached again and heard the exchange, sharing looks with one another but saying nothing.
She couldn't interpret it any other way now. This was a first. She'd done her best to scrutinise his words, tone of voice and eyes but he was completely sincere. She wasn't beautiful though. She was in her own opinion unrefined. Nor was she glorious, like Hirotomo's father. The young man was growing up well and would likely be very popular after his gempukku. She could tell that much. He conducted himself properly, he adhered to duty and knew how to use a blade. She realised she did not find him unattractive either, though he was at least 2-3 years younger than her.
She touched her cheeks and realised what the sensation was. She'd seen it on others. Rinko was blushing and not in anger. She turned around, fumbling with the cloth. She had to delay this subject while she thought about it. It was very... complicated. Yes, complicated. That would do.
Still facing away, standing rigidly, she spoke in an unusually waivering voice "You are still young. A student. You have not yet passed your gempukku. Perhaps we will talk when you are a man". She cut it off there, marching over to the ronin. No longer could she feel flustered. She began treating his wounds unnecessarily roughly - the blood loss would be stemmed but he would not enjoy it.
|
|
Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
|
Post by Toku Hirotomo on Mar 23, 2011 20:34:17 GMT -5
The remainder of the trip went forward quickly. The servants were acting a little odd. It seemed they heard Hirotomo’s confession. It also seemed that they were silently cheering on the young samurai. I need to speak with Father as soon as I get home. Hirotomo kept thinking. If he could get his father to declare his Gempakuu as his father had said, then he could talk to Rinko on even ground. She took to blushing in his company. He spoke of Toku Torid-e, the simple life of dedication to law and order often.
“We’ll be in Toku Torid-e tomorrow, Rinko-san.” Hirotomo said the last evening. “My father will be happy that you have arrived. I’m not sure what else we will find there. My father sent for a Emerald Magistrate as well. I know you will be the one to solve this mystery though.”
Akodo Jin had said very little, in fact it seemed that he was not so much traveling with them as traveling near them. While they were next to a town, he sent a letter off, saying it was to his Lord. They should meet him after they get to Toku Torid-e.
The ronin had barely stopped talking. He kept on saying he was paid by a Lion to stay near the river until a Monkey and a Dragon came by. He was supposed to delay them.
Hirotomo paid for a runner to send word of his return. The next few days should be interesting. Return to father, ask him about my Gempakuu, and then ask him to talk to Rinko’s family.
Her words that he was a student barely registered with him. Hirotomo had heard her words, but did not feel the force behind them. She was unsure of herself in such matters it seemed. His arm had healed well, thanks to Rinko, and he stared at her over the fire. I love you Rinko, I’m going to talk with my father. Please accept me then.
|
|
Kitsuki Yuushahime
Dragon Clan
This person sometimes posts things that are tl;dr
Courtier Magistrate Ambassador Daimyo
Posts: 1,140
|
Post by Kitsuki Yuushahime on Mar 24, 2011 18:44:12 GMT -5
Rinko regressed to how she was at the start of the journey; very quiet and somewhat reclusive. Her own wound had nearly healed but one matter wouldn't go away. A few times her servants had to apologise on her behalf as she went to bed early. "Rinko-sama asks that you please look after the captive, Toku Hirotomo-sama. She is not feeling well and is resting early this evening" was said one evening. They would say no more but their uneasy delivery spoke volumes.
The Akodo had smirked but continued to brood where he was at this. Rinko was saving his questioning for when Kenpachi was also present. It was the correct procedure. She had also left the ronin alone for the time being, though he stayed tied up most of the time. His friends corpses had been burnt and he feared the same fate so was being exceptionally cooperative. Though Rinko's treatment had been rough, he was now able to walk as his leg was healing. He was called Outani. He had no family name and tended to grovel a lot, insisting the others had forced him into everything.
On the last day, when Hirotomo expressed confidence in Rinko's investigation, she had merely nodded. Her mind was distracted; divided over the investigation and the Toku's confession. Half of her time was being spent thinking about what questions to ask and piecing things together. She had some theories now but needed more data. The other half of the time was combatting an issue the woman had not ever really given much thought before. She wasn't having much success either. She wasn't good with understanding feelings, particuarly her own. She had supposed, logically, that it wouldn't be too bad for political reasons and she got along well with him. It would be better than some arranged marriage she had no control over. Of course she didn't control this either though. Her Lord may refuse and Toku Kenpachi would likely overrule his son. What was she even thinking? Hadn't she decided to remain single so she could concentrate on her career and her work? Wasn't that most important? She had determined long ago that a sincere duty to justice was more important than a half hearted duty to carry on the family - particuarly when there were many others actually interested in marriage and having a legacy in that way.
Rinko had sighed daily in confusion but corrected herself after one of her servants warned that it could be misconstrued as sighs of delayed love. She was now just doing her best to avoid the issue. It was too bewildering. She hated courts and this was far worse. She looked forward to arriving in Monkey lands so she could then focus completely on the investigation and let all other thoughts cease. Her first order of business would be interrogating Outani. She glared at him often and out of nowhere nearer the evenings and he avoided her gaze habitually.
|
|
Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
|
Post by Toku Hirotomo on Mar 24, 2011 20:15:04 GMT -5
Hirotomo gazed at Rinko as she stared deeply into the fire. "There seems to be something on your mind." he said looking south to where Toku Torid-e lie. "Is it something that you can talk with me about? I may not be the wisest of my clan, but I've been told I'm good at listening."
She'd seemed distant most of the time now, Hirotomo had no idea what to make of it? Was she avoiding him? She said to speak with her when he turned into an adult. Why was she avoiding him now? Hirotomo resisted the urge to ask bluntly again. She was probably in shock. He was only a minor clan samurai after all. There was very little chance she could perform duties as important as she was accustomed to if she married him. At first he felt he needed to find out how she really felt, later Hirotomo decided it was her who needed to find out how she felt.
|
|
Kitsuki Yuushahime
Dragon Clan
This person sometimes posts things that are tl;dr
Courtier Magistrate Ambassador Daimyo
Posts: 1,140
|
Post by Kitsuki Yuushahime on Mar 28, 2011 14:11:51 GMT -5
"We only need focus on gathering evidence and reaching the truth" she cooly replies, evading his question. She looks south. If they left early in the morning it would be less than a days' ride into the Toku stronghold. They were already within Toku lands now. A part of her was looking forward to what she had spoken of but another was hesitant as it would mean Hirotomo would be given the chance to press her further and she was uncertain. It was an alien feeling to her generally. Rinko was only ever uncertain when she lacked evidence and then she was certain of the need for that data. Now she was not sure what she needed and what direction things would proceed in. Perhaps things would be quiet and uneventful in Toku lands and then things could go back to normal?
The Akodo man seemed quite upbeat that evening, even speaking of his admiration for the small clan. When he spoke of their equally small successes in more recent history though, his condescending nature became obvious. Rinko ignored him, only giving a vague nod as she slowly ate the soup that had been prepared by her servants. It had cooled sufficiently that it didn't bother her. The others had finished theirs. The ronin captive they had seemed more agitated than usual, likely because of his impending questioning. Rinko had some choice questions to ask but she was only assigned here to assist, not to lead the investigation. At least not without the consent of Kenpachi. She had to wait to receive that. Her kimono did contain the Writ of authority she needed for the time being though. Still, she preferred to be straight arrow over such matters.
The air here was warmer than in the north. It was another thing she wasn't used to and further moved her out of her element. She would continue to wear her formal kimono, although her backup one as the first was torn from her earlier wound, even if it was a little too thick and warm. After further thought, she decided to look for a kimono maker in their town if one was available. Perhaps a less thick fabric would be helpful. Scolding herself for not thinking of this she sighed. At least her mind was now elsewhere. Thoughts of presentation and etiquette crossed her mind. She had no need for a gift as her assistance was a gift of her Lord in itself but it would be appropriate to bathe again. She slowly raised her head and turned her vision over to Hirotomo.
"Would you..." she stopped, clearing her throat and then sounding more confident as she continued "you will show me to a place to ready myself to meet Toku Kenpachi-sama I would hope?". She purposefully curled her hair around two fingers to make herself clear; it was starting to get tangled again
|
|